It has been my interest in family history and the research that I have done that has bought this aspect history alive for me. I have a much greater appreciation of their contributions, sacrifices and the long term effects on them all now.

Regular readers will remember that I blogged about a sick hedgehog here. She was named Isra and is being cared for by Jacqui in a Hedgehog Rescue haven. Jacqui has several “hogs” in her care, returning them to good health so that they can be released to a rural property far from roads and relatively free of predators once winter is over.

Earlier this week Jacqui updated Isra’s progress. Isra now weighs a kilo and her new quills are growing now that the mange has been cured. Naturally Isra would like to hibernate but that would stop her quill regrowth and delay her release in spring. In order to prevent hibernation she is being kept very warm on her heating disc again.

Jacqui also posted this video on the Hedgehog Rescue (NZ) Facebook page. If you turn the sound up on your computer you can hear Jacqui talking to Isra and describing her as friendly and inquisitive.

Thanks again Jacqui for the treatment and care you have given to Isra and the other hedgehogs in your care :-))

The whole country is very, very dry with drought conditions in many places. Rain is desperately needed by people who farm the land and who grow plants. I am watering my vegies and plants on a daily basis and further water restrictions are on the horizon.

It is hot and it is dry.

Some refreshment would be welcome and would provide balance.

I went in search of some cooler conditions this morning and enjoyed the green of the regenerating bush area nearby.

Something has been enjoying some refreshment eating this green leaved Kawakawa plant.

And a blackbird was eating these juicy berries.

Despite the lack of rain there is still green, juiciness to be found in my backyard thank goodness.

Who would you miss if they left your life? I know you would miss your loved ones and friends.

But my question today relates to people who provide you with services that you value highly and which you might struggle to replace. In my case they would include my hairdresser, my dentist, and my mechanic.

These three people offer immeasurable value to me because I know and trust them and they know and understand my particular needs. They are totally reliable and are only too happy to go the extra mile to offer me brilliant service. In turn, I recommend them to others as a small way of acknowledging their businesses and services they provide.

Earlier this week I found another person who I have added to my list. She is a local dressmaker who has been able to alter some clothes to fit me and who will draft a pattern off some trousers that I have loved wearing but are no longer made. I can then chose fabric for new trousers and she will be able to make them for me and for a very reasonable price. It feels such a relief to have found someone who can help me feel comfortable in the clothes I wear or chose to buy.